U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., took action on several measures approved by the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands during its Regular Session held on November 18, 2025. The bills were transmitted to Government House on November 20 for consideration while Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is out of the territory.
Acting Governor Roach, acting under the authority of Section 9(d) of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, reviewed and acted on Bill Nos. 36-0086, 36-0135, 36-0138, 36-0148, and 36-0196.
He approved the following measures:
- Bill No. 36-0086, amending Title 3, V.I. Code, chapter 25, section 590b to strengthen the Caregivers Leave Act.
- Bill No. 36-0135, amending Title 29, V.I. Code, chapter 5, section 294 to support expedited building permits for developers, enhancing efficiency in the permitting process.
- Bill No. 36-0138, authorizing the transfer of designated real property parcels in Subbase to the Virgin Islands Port Authority for the Crown Bay District Redevelopment Project.
- Bill No. 36-0148, amending Title 3, V.I. Code, chapter 16, section 274 to require the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission to implement an electronic payment system.
- Bill No. 36-0196, appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for capital projects across the territory and allocating $2,000,000 from the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for completion of the Leonardo Nardo Trotman Drive Expansion Project.
Acting Governor Roach also formally acknowledged two resolutions adopted by the Legislature: - Resolution No. 1922 (Bill No. 36-0044), honoring and commending seven-year-old twin brothers Kruz and Stefon Wilson for their heroic actions in saving a drowning man at Magens Bay Beach and for exemplifying outstanding citizenship at a young age.
- Resolution No. 1923 (Bill No. 36-0075), honoring and commending Austin A. Venzen, posthumously, for his lifelong dedication to music education, artistic enrichment, and his impact in uniting Virgin Islanders through choirs, bands, and community performances.
Additionally, Acting Governor Roach expressed appreciation for the Legislature’s favorable action on several key nominations: - Ms. Venetia H. Velazquez, Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, District of St. Croix
- Ms. Melanie L. Turnbull, Esq., Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Family Division, District of St. Thomas–St. John
- Mrs. Jennifer M. Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
- Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd, Economist, Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board
Acting Governor Roach thanked Senate President Milton Potter and the members of the 36th Legislature for their diligent work and continued collaboration.
“I appreciate the Legislature’s thoughtful consideration of measures that strengthen our community, improve government operations, and uplift the people of the Virgin Islands,” Roach said. “I thank each member of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature for their service and commitment to the people of this Territory.”
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is scheduled to return to the territory on December 3, 2025.